Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I welcome that the national co-ordination group is meeting and look forward to receiving an update on the matter. Can the Minister confirm that resources will not be an issue in tackling the flooding problems in the areas mentioned? These areas have been badly affected by the rain that fell overnight and county councils and emergency services throughout the country are understaffed.

Unfortunately the issues arising in the River Shannon basin are very serious. Hundreds of farmers and thousands of acres have been affected by flooding for the last several weeks and I can only imagine the problems were exasperated by last night's rainfall. I ask that a protocol be put in place between the three agencies that monitor the river and that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine engage with the farming community with a view to providing assistance to affected areas.

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